Sexual risk behaviours and HIV knowledge of migrant farm workers in a rural community in Nigeria

Migration has been associated with a higher risk of STI/HIV but few studies have assessed the sexual risk behaviour of migrant farm workers in Nigeria. An exploratory survey was conducted to assess the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and sexual risk behaviours of migrant farmers in Saki West Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were used to obtain information on socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, knowledge of HIV/AIDS, sexual behaviours and history of STI symptoms. Overall 518 respondents were interviewed, slightly over half were aware of HIV/AIDS; awareness was significantly lower among the females, those aged 15-24 years and those with no formal education. Majority (80.7%) were sexually experienced, the mean age at sexual debut was 19.4 +/- 5.2 years and 18.4 +/- 4.2 years for males and females respectively. Sexual intercourse with multiple sexual partners in the past year was reported by 24.6% (males, 35.7%, versus females, 10.4%, p < 0.05). Recent sexual intercourse with a casual partner was reported by 9.1% (12.8% males versus 4.4% females). Only 18.2% used a condom during the last casual sexual contact. Level of awareness of HIV is unacceptably low and sexual risk behaviours are prevalent among these workers. Appropriate sexual health and HIV prevention interventions should be instituted

Condom use amongst out of school youths in a local government area in Nigeria

Background: Reported low condom use amongst out of school requires studying the context in which condom use occurs. Methods: A cross sectional study of 350 out-of-school youth aged 15-24 years in a local government area of Nigeria was enrolled using cluster sampling. Results: Those who had ever had sexual intercourse were 74.9. Of these; 56.5used no protection while 29.0used condoms. Up to 78.6have had sex within the preceding 12 months with 38.9condom use. The commonest reason for non-condom use was that it reduces sexual enjoyment. Those who believed a single unprotected sexual exposure may result in HIV infection reported more condom use than those who believed otherwise (42vs 27.2; P0.05). Those who had prior discussion with their partners on HIV/AIDS reported more condom use compared to those who had not (50vs 25; P0.05). Also; those who had sexual intercourse occurring as a spontaneous event reported less condom use compared to those who have previously discussed about the possibility of having sex (68.0vs 51.8; P0.05). Conclusion: Condom use is likely to occur within relationships where opportunity exists for discussion on sexual matters. Thus; further studies are needed on communication and condom use within sexual partnerships